My Puppy, Jack. Or Rainbow.

Holy Imagination Explosion. I'm not even kidding... forget every other time before that I said his imagination was incredible. THIS time it's insane.

He is constantly in another world mentally, fighting bad guys and imagining himself to be a super hero. Conveniently, he can transform into whatever super hero would be most beneficial at the moment. Currently, he is favoring Larry Boy with his Super Suction Ears, but also becomes Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Astro Boy, Flash, and sometimes Iron Man. He allowed us to create our own super heroes, and sometimes I'm Lavender Lassie and Fernando is the Eloquent Elephant. Violet almost always gets stuck with Cat Woman.

If he is not a super hero, he is putting on his backpack and asking us to join him "on an adventure". We hike mountains, swim through lakes and run away from swamp monsters. We usually save something from someone at some point, and take lots of breaks for pretend snacks.

Occasionally, he transforms into one of his two puppy alter egos. One is Jack, a big dog who runs fast and does lots of tricks. But usually he is Rainbow, a little puppy who likes lots of affection, pretend dog treats and loves to fetch an invisible ball. (I didn't make any of this up, by the way. It's all Daniel.)

We went through a two weeks phase where he wanted to 1) decorate and then 2) fly his rocket/airplane into outer space. He would enlist our help to paint the rocket, but then only he could sit in the pilot's chair. We had to sit back in the far back of the plane.

The bad side of his imagination continues to be his bad dreams. Whatever he plays/pretends/watches on TV shows up in his nightmares. One night after watching Horton Hears a Hoo and playing a few minutes of Angry Birds on his iPod, he dreamt that angry purple monkeys put him in jail and wouldn't let him out, and that he was crying until two of the nice angry birds came and took him back to his bed in his house. No kidding.

Anyway. I have a good feeling we aren't anywhere near close to the end of this particular adventure. I love that he gets complimented on his imagination. I love that sometimes you don't know if you are talking to Daniel or to a character he is playing.

And I love that he very clearly knows the difference between pretending and reality, and can make a decision which he'd like to participate in at that particular moment. (When our friend was visiting in town, he put on his dinosaur slippers for her. She proceeded to pretend that he was a dinosaur. But he said, "No Miss Stephanie, I am not a dinosaur. I am Daniel, I just have dinosaur feet on."

Love this kid.

Shutterbug

Daniel is a budding photographer. He'll grab anything that looks remotely like a camera (usually a pair of toy binoculars) and get into photographer mode.

He'll say, "Mommy and Violet, get together and hug each other. I'm going to take a picture of you! Ready? Smile!" and then he makes a click noise, looks at his pretend LCD screen, and turn the camera around to show you what he just took (with the biggest smile on his face).

Wonder where he gets that? :)

For his birthday, we gave him a real camera - the kind in the kid-friendly case that can actually be uploaded on a computer. It takes AWFUL photos but it's so fun for him to have his own camera. He takes pictures of absolutely everything and took it into his class "show and share" last week.

And last night, when I asked him what was special about him, he told me "I'm special because I take great pictures!"

I'm kind of loving this current phase. :)

Behavior Crisis

So, Daddy went to Mozambique for a week. We had a lovely time, just me and the kids, but it was evident in a lot of ways that they were really missing him. (And so was I.)

Daniel had a crazy meltdown at preschool the day after Fernando left and it resulted in a full on tantrum (flailing limbs and all). Teachers were hit in the process, and the proverbial smack was laid down once we got home.

We spent the evening writing apology notes. After we had done a few for his teachers, I asked if there was anyone else he needed to apologize to. He thought for a minute and said, "Yes. You, Mommy."

He is 1) the sweetest child alive, 2) a master manipulator, or 3) just very, very lucky.

I still have his "I'm sorry" note... I'm thinking I'll keep that one forever.

4 Going On 1,000

Life has been pretty stinking amazing lately.

I continue to worry about when my affectionate little boy will become a "don't kiss me in public!" kid... and every milestone is another reason to worry. But just days after his 4th birthday, he is sweeter than ever.

He tells me a few dozen times a day, "Mommy, I want to stay like this forever" as he hugs me or cuddles at bedtime. He holds my hand happily in public. He lavished kisses on me and doesn't seem to care who is around. And he still screams with happiness when I appear in the doorway at preschool to pick him up - and he about tackles me to the ground with a huge hug - the best moment of every day.

Although one big thing DID change at the 4-year milestone: His taste buds. All of a sudden, he is eating broccoli and asparagus happily without even a tiny complaint. Tonight we're trying brussel sprouts just for fun.

Daniel has been talking more about growing up and getting bigger. He wants to be 100 or 1,000 years old still, and seems to think that as he ages, I will get younger. He frequently tells me that when he is a hundred, he will take care of me as a baby. We had a brief set back when his desire to grow up last week when growing pains hit with a vengeance. He sobbed quietly on his bed, holding his legs, crying "I don't want to get bigger! I want to stay small!!!" But the next morning he was back to his old aspirations of being 1,000 years old.

Recently, Ms. Stephanie came to visit again (always a favorite of the kids!). She took some amazing family photos of us, and I'm so grateful to her for capturing this magical time in our lives. Enjoy... these are some of my favorites.

Hamburger Boys

In a Rainbow Submarine

If there's a time to break my "black and white photography only" rule for this blog, it's today: In honor of Daniel's Rainbow-and-Submarine-Themed 4th Birthday Party.

(By the way... that theme happened because Daniel loves to pretend to paint his imaginary submarine every color imaginable. And because we have a super talented friend who offered to make him a custom cake - he blew us away!)

So, we just filled the house with as much color as possible. Rainbow-theme was pretty stinking fun - everything from candy to clothing.

My folks were still in town, and Fernando family came over to join the fun. Which means that I got what I wanted: Photos with each kid and both sets of grandparents.

Happy Birthday to my little 4-year-old... as hard as that it to write. You are so smart, funny, sweet and I just couldn't be prouder to be your mama.

Secret View

Tex and Gramma came to visit. It was a fabulous trip... more photos to come. I just had to share these two gems.

Tex is the original jigsaw master. Daniel helped Tex work a glow in the dark puzzle, and then showed him the Amaro Family Secret Technique of how to make a glow in the dark puzzle glow with all the lights still on: Under a blanket.

The things a grandfather will do for his grandkid.

Wizard of Oz

Wizard of Oz, Day 1:

Last night, Judy Garland entered Daniel's frame of reference.

We were going to do "dinner and a movie" and settled in to pick something fun to watch while we ate. Wizard of Oz was a staple childhood of mine, and strange and scary as it is at various parts, I figured I could pick the fun colorful parts to show the kids.

I thought I'd have to skip the black and white bit at the start to keep them interested, but they were captivated from minute one. And when Dorothy sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", they sat in magical silence, not moving a muscle (or even chewing the bite that was in their mouths). It was beyond beautiful to watch - my babies witnessing for the first time something that was so integral to my childhood. I blinked back tears as Daniel sighed deeply at the end of the song and leaned his head on me. It was a moment I will never remember.

We only watched up until the part where the "green lady" (Wicked Witch of the West) begins appearing in every scene and throwing *very* realistic fire balls. It was nearly bedtime, after all. But Daniel loved when the movie begins in color - "Wow! Look at her red lips!" and then when they walk into Munchkinland for the first time, he was so excited - "Mommy, that's SO VERY beautiful! High-five for beautiful!!" And he thought it was just hilarious to have little people hiding in the bushes. (He said, "Munchkins?! Those aren't munchkins! They are little people!") The "Lollipop Guild" gave him the giggles. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about that whole scene. But I guess it's a classic...?

Wizard of Oz, Day 2:

Welcome to today. Daniel has not stopped singing "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" all day.

And he keeps asking to watch "Tezzard Hahs... I mean Groundhogs... I mean the movie with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and Follow the Yellow Brick Road!"

So we resumed the magic. Both kids adored it as much as yesterday.

Violet got scared twice: Scary trees throwing apples and Weird lion singing "If I Were King of the Jungle". I don't blame her, really.

Still skipping the really intense scenes, both kids were riveted during the colorful musical numbers. As the credits began to roll, Daniel declared to us all, "Wow, that was a great movie! Such a great movie!"

And I will admit - it's refreshing to watch something (anything!) other than Dinosaur Train, Shawn the Sheep and Ant Bully. Judy Garland, you are welcome in our home until we overdo you and get sick of you.

Just being honest.

Identity Crisis

On the eight minutes drive home from church today: (Try to keep up):

Daniel: "Mommy, I'm going to turn this van into a helicopter so we can fly."

Mommy: "Ok baby, that sounds fun."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn van into helicopter.) "Ok Mommy. Will you be the pilot?"

Mommy: "Sure - I'll be the pilot."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn Mommy into a pilot). "Ok Mommy, now you're the pilot. Pilot?"

Pilot: "Yes Daniel?"

Daniel: "Can we go super fast please?"

Pilot: "Sure, Daniel." (Makes super fast zooming noise.)

Daniel: "You know, pilot, we are going to the park later!"

Pilot: "That's cool, Daniel!"

Daniel: "And there are lots of... um, Pilot... can you turn into Mommy again for a minute?"

Pilot: "Sure."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn pilot into Mommy). "Mommy, will there be animals at the park?"

Mommy: "Yes - some chickens and roosters, probably."

Daniel: "Ok can you be the pilot again?"

Mommy: "Sure."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise). "Hey pilot! there will be animals at the park Probably chickens and roosters!"

Pilot: "That sounds cool!"

Daniel: "Do you want to go with us to the park? Wait... um ... can you turn into Mommy again?"

Pilot: "Sure."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn pilot into Mommy). "Mommy, can the pilot come with us to the park?"

Mommy: "Sure, Daniel."

Daniel: "Mommy, can you be the..."

Mommy: "Yes Daniel." (Whooshing noise to turn self into the Pilot). "I'm the pilot."

Daniel: "She says yes, pilot! Um, Mommy... can you just be Mommy again?"

Pilot/Mommy: "Yes! Gladly!"

Sock Gnomes and Undies

So, Daniel is kind of a comfort-junkie. And a bit of an exhibitionist. Allow me to explain.

He complains almost every morning about having to take off his pajamas to get dressed. It's not so much about the getting dressed part, or even the going to school part. He hates taking off his warm, comfortable pajamas.

And the second we're back home: "Mommy, I don't want my pants. Just my undies." Lately, we've had to... coach... him on how this is NOT ok when we have company over. Just a few days ago, he excused himself from the dinner table to go to the bathroom (very politely, actually) and came back moments later sans pants. "Daniel, where did your pants go?!" "I dunno!!!" With lots of giggles of course. (You'll excuse

me for not posting a photo of this particular phenomenon.)

Last week I asked him about what he wanted to do/be when he got older and he said, "Mommy, I just want to be at home in my undies, on the couch." I guess that's ok since he's three. If he says the same thing at 18 we may have to have a chat.

We've been loving "How to Train Your Dragon" recently, and there is a hilarious line where the lead Viking is charging into a cave and says something like, "When I break through that rock, all hell's gonna break loose!" And his quirky little sidekick says, "In my undies!"

The kids don't understand why that's hilarious, but they know it's hilarious. It's kind of become our kid-friendly version of "That's What She Said". Daniel throws it into conversation randomly and laughs hysterically whether or not it makes sense. Violet just throws her head back and screams, "UNNNIIIEEESSS!" and laughs like an insane asylum patient.

And while we're talking about pants and undies, we might as well cover the topic of socks. Or should I say, "sock". Daniel is only ever wearing one sock. We put two on him every morning and within minute he is wearing one. For some reason, he just likes it better that way. Every time I ask about it, he just giggles and runs away. Either a strange little sock gnome keeps stealing my kid's sock, or my kid IS a strange little sock gnome!

Fun times in the world of Daniel's clothing!

Cows

Yesterday Daniel and I were sitting by the sliding glass door, hiding under the curtain. He offered me one of his blueberries. He put it in my mouth, held my mouth closed for a second and said very sincerely...

"Mommy, we close our mouth when we eat. We are not cows."

He then demonstrated the proper chewing technique for a non-cow.

It was all I could do to keep the blueberry IN my mouth at that point.

The Perfect Start

Dear Daniel,

Last night the ball dropped yet again and we started a new year. You and your sister were sound asleep when it happened, but your father and I were in our PJs on the couch, toasting with Martinelli's and admiring Dic Clark's courage for continuing to appear on his annual special even in his weakened condition. (I know, I know... Just google him.)

Our crazy neighbors shot off fireworks in their backyard and partied for hours, and we spent the first few minutes of the new year talking about our dreams for this coming year (the word "Disneyland" may have been tossed around). We discussed our family goals, our plans, and how exciting a "blank slate" feels every year at this time. It's like God gift wraps his mercy once a year with a big shiny bow. It's there every day, but at the new year it's implications are palpable. You can taste the fresh start, and it tastes good.

Daniel, when you read this as an adult, I bet you'll laugh at how "long ago" 2011 was... but right now, those numbers seem like something out of a science fiction movie. I cannot believe 2010 is already over. It was our family's best year so far.

You and I spent the majority of January 1 outside, playing together. You begged me to play with you, and I set aside all the other things I "should have been doing" and just obliged you.



We were very, very busy. Here's the recap:

We played on the swings and in your imaginary airplane (you made me push all the colored buttons so that we could fly). We stopped by your imaginary friend's house (in our imaginary airplane) to see if he wanted to ride with us. We chased dragons. We tracked down Swiper the Fox when he stole the bag of fish you had to feed your dragon. We played chase. We ran in opposite circles, high-fiving each time we passed each other. We pretended to be koala bears (then spent ten minutes picking splinters out of your paws!) We took some silly photos with the iPhone and you particularly loved the "try to kick the camera while swinging" game. We rested in the sun, and took a break for hot chocolate and hot tea when we got too cold. (We sat on the patio couch together, and you made us take our sips in unison by saying, "Ok Mommy now we drink!") We played catch with footballs and that big yellow bouncy ball you love. We invented a game called "Goooo.... get 'em!" involving us throwing the footballs and making each other run for them.



We kept our shoes clean (even though it was muddy outside) because you still cannot stand to be dirty. (Your "dirty shoe walk" is absolutely hilarious, by the way. You look like a bow-legged little old man.) We hid in the "treehouse" from all the sleeping dragons that were waking up to come find us. (Can you tell we recently watched a dragon movie?) You had to go to the bathroom a few times and instead of the hassle of going inside, we found some rocks in a corner that needed watering. (You thought this was hilarious, and kept giggling about the time last month we couldn't get to a bathroom fast enough so we improvised with what was in the car: "Mommy, sometimes big boys go pee-pee into chocolate milk. But we don't drink that!)"). But when it was my turn to go to the bathroom and I headed inside (even I have my limits!), you insisted on coming with me, holding my hand, so that I would come right back outside with you. When Violet woke up from a long nap, you asked Daddy to go get her so that you and I could keep playing.



I spent those hours relishing our time together and admiring how much you've grown.

Your imagination is incredible - and your ability to story tell and weave together different story elements is impressive. I think you'll be a great writer someday.

Your physical ability has changed so much recently. Just watching the way you handle yourself on a swing - you are no longer a baby in any way. Your balance, your confidence, your agility... you have become so capable and comfortable in your own skin. (At one point you actually did 33 consecutive somersaults and lapped the grass area in our yard twice.) I think you'll be a great athlete one day.

Your conversation skills continue to blow me away. Talking with you is more than simply engaging a three year old - it's an actual two way street. You ask me questions and want to hear the answers. More than that, you remember my answers and care what I think. I know you'll be a good husband someday.



Thank you for the precious hours we spent together today - I couldn't imagine a better way to bring in the new year. Happy 2011!

Love, Mommy

P.S. I asked you if you will still want to hang out with me even when you get really big. You said "Yes!". Then I said, "Forever?" And you said, "Forever and ever!" And when I made you promise on everything good and holy that you were telling the truth, you giggled and said, "Yes, Mommy." So, there. I just wanted that documented somewhere in case I need it in the future.